Season 11 ‘American Idol’ contestant, 22 year old Heejun Han is originally from Korea and now lives in Flushing, New York. Heejun said:

I was inspired to do this audition, because I work at a non-profit organization for kids with special needs. I wanted to prove to them that if you really, really want something and you really really believe in it, you can be someone” (Heejun’s Interview After His First Audition).

Later in the competition, Heejun admitted:

I had a bad depression, but the kids and the organization just pulled me out from there, so I just had to give something back to them. Without those kids I wouldn’t even have motivation to come out here and do all this kind of stuff. I’m not only doing this for myself. I could say that 100%, this is for the kids and it just makes me so happy” (Sing for Your Life – Heejun Han).

Heejun auditioned for ‘American Idol’ in Pittsburgh. Before his auditions, Heejun said about the other contestants, “I thought I was a little good, but they’re just crazy good” (Audition in Pittsburgh). Heejun sang, “How am I Supposed to Live Without You” by Michael Bolton.

He seemed a bit nervous, but delivered a very smooth and heartfelt song and the judges were absolutely impressed! Steven said, “Heejun, man, you sing great” Jennifer agreed, “You have a beautiful voice! I love you!” and Randy added, “On a serious note. I am really impressed and shocked!” Steven chimed in again with, “Ya, I think you’re really great. I think you could be an ‘American Idol.” Heejun was taken back by the comments and said, “Wow! Nobody told me that kind of stuff!” (Heejun’s Audition in Pittsburgh).

Heejun has a very dry and sarcastic sense of humor, talking about everything from the other contestants being so talented to how “pretty” and good looking they are. He said in Hollywood:

I got here and everyone’s SO tall, SO pretty. Even the guys are so pretty, I don’t know why. I don’t know what they eat, but they’re so good looking!

At one point, Ryan Seacrest asked him what he was sweating in the competition. Heejun answered, “Mostly water.”

Heejun seemed to sail right through Hollywood week, except for his personality clashes with country singer, Richie Law. Although the group seemed to be challenged, their performance got them all onto the next round. Again, Heejun’s dry sense of humor came out as he talked about the “cowboy” in his group. Nonetheless, he did apologize to Richie and his parents for his behavior on camera.

Heejun made it in the Top 24. During his interview he talked about how excited his mom was when he told her the news! Then Heejun added:

The greatest thing that I am worrying about is a “stereo-type” that they’re going to have towards me; like an Asian stereo-type. But I hope I can break that. And if they can just see me as a singer, not as a type of person. Don’t watch the music, but listen to the music. You know?”

Heejun, we think every person has something unique and special about them. There is only one you; embrace all you have been given and all you are!

UPDATE 3/29/12 – Sad to report that Heejun was sent home tonight. He was in the Bottom 3 with Hollie Cavanagh and Skylar Laine. We are sad to see you, go Heejun! Congratulations for making it to the Top 9, for staying true to yourself and for encouraging those around you to reach out to others!

Heejun said during his Curtain Call Interview:

The reason I started out this competition was to prove that if you truly believe in yourself you can become someone regardless of who you are. And if you do something for others, the outcome is something beyond imagination. I hope I impacted at least one person. So, go out there and help other people, because they’re not far away, they are right next to you in your neighborhood. Alright guys! Stay crazy, stay humble, stay cool, stay relaxed, stay who you are … cuz this is just the beginning. Let’s do this together again!

UPDATE 3/28/12 – After Heejun had been given lots of flack about his not “taking the competition seriously,” he came back full force. Heejun won’t stop being entertaining self, but the judges and mentors encouraged him to get serious and show what he can do. So, Heejun did just that with this very appropriate song and message, “A Song for You” by Donny Hathaway during the Top 9 performance show. The judges loved it.

UPDATE 3/22/12 – Heejun was in the Bottom 3 this week for the first time. Joining him was DeAndre Brackenstick and Erika Van Pelt. Although Erika belted out an amazing vocal and the judges loved it, she was sent home.

UPDATE 3/21/12 – The Top 10 perform. Heejun broke way out of his ballad streak and took over the stage. It was Billy Joel night and Heejun sang, “My Life.” The judges thought it was entertaining and fun, but didn’t show off his voice as they know he can sing.

UPDATE 3/15/12 – Although during the performance night, Randy pegged Heejun for being at risk for going home, Heejun was not even in the Bottom 3. Instead, Heejun made it into the coveted Top 10, allowing him to go on the American Idol tour.

This show turned out to be the Top 11, because Jermaine Jones was removed from the competition for not having been forthright about his past history with four outstanding warrants from the police. According to the Huffington Post, three were for giving the police a false name (once when they responded to a fight, once from when he was riding in a car that was pulled over and another time when he was driving with a suspended license). The other was for not showing up for a court date.

UPDATE 3/8/12 – Out of the Top 13 (7 guys and 6 gals), Heejun was not in the bottom 6 (3 guys, 3 gals). He whisked right through again!

UPDATE 3/7/12 – Heejun sang, “All In Love is Fair” by Stevie Wonder for the Top 13 Performance night. Jennifer said, “I love you! I loved you from the first time you sang for me and I still love you now. ” Steven said, “Heejun! Fantastic! I love your voice, man. Somethin’ about it’s real special. Keep it up.” Randy added, “Dude! It wasn’t perfect, but it was REALLY good!”

UPDATE 3/1/12 – Heejun made it into the Top 10 by America’s votes! Joining him are Colton Dixon, Elise Testone, Hollie Cavanagh, Jermaine Jones, Jessica Sanchez, Joshua Ledet, Phillip Phillips, Shannon Magrane and Skylar Laine. Then the judges let six more kids “sing for their lives.” The judges each picked one more contestant to join the Top 10, to make a Top 13: Jeremy Rosado, Erika Van Pelt and Deandre Brackensick.

UPDATE 2/28/12 – Heejun sang, “I’m Loving Angels Instead” by Jessica Simpson. Heejun did a great job! The judges agreed, but commented that the song didn’t show off all of his capabilities. As promised, an additional male vocalist was added to the round. Formerly disqualified, Jermaine Jones was asked to return for another chance. On Wednesday, the Top 12 girls will have a chance to sing. On Thursday, the Top 25 (previously the Top 24) will be narrowed down to the Top 12. Ten will be chosen by America’s votes and two by the judges.

UPDATE 2/23/12 – Heejun sails into the Top 24 with his rendition of “New York State of Mind” by Billy Joel.

About

The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) encourages, educates and connects people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Formerly known as The Invisible Disabilities Advocate, IDA was founded in 1997 and incorporated in 2004 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. IDA reaches out through our websites, projects, articles, pamphlets, booklet, social network, resources, videos, radio interviews, seminars, events and more!
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17 year old, Shelby Tweten from North Mankato, Minnesota auditioned for ‘American Idol’ in Denver, Colorado. Shelby and several of the contestants from Denver were invited to travel and stay in Aspen, Colorado for the round of auditions that were recorded for television.

Shelby was also chosen to have a back-story about her life to be presented during the airing of the auditions on January 25th.

In this video package, Shelby and her mom share a little bit about Shelby’s challenging journey. Just last year, Shelby was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. However, she says she has battled depression since the fourth grade.

Shelby said,

“American Idol’ has given me a reason to stay on my meds.” Shelby continued, “I wasn’t focusing on staying with them, cuz I really didn’t care. When I’m off my meds, I’m incoherent and I’m not myself.” Her mom added, “She doesn’t have the light in her.”

Shelby opened up with,

“There’s been times when I’ve had hypo-manic episodes. I’ll be shaking, I will stutter, I can’t control my body and my mom will be like, ‘Well, let’s sing together!’ And I’ll sing and it really helps!”

About

The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) encourages, educates and connects people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Formerly known as The Invisible Disabilities Advocate, IDA was founded in 1997 and incorporated in 2004 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. IDA reaches out through our websites, projects, articles, pamphlets, booklet, social network, resources, videos, radio interviews, seminars, events and more!
Get the word out! Share a link to our articles and pages with Google Plus, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and through Email by clicking on the Share link. Leave a comment!

21-year-old James Durbin of Santa Cruz, CA auditioned for American Idol in San Fransisco, which aired on February 9, 2011.

James’ back-story told of his long, life journey of struggles. James’ father was a bass player and spent much of his time out on the road, playing in bands. When James was only nine, he lost his fatherto a drug overdose. James teared up when he said, “It hurt to lose him, cuz I didn’t get a chance to know him.”

After his father’s death, James was on medication for a sleep disorder and stress. He went to Stanford Medical Center, where he was diagnosed with Tourette’s and Asperger’s Syndrome (a high functioning form of Autism). James continued, “As I was getting older, at school people would tell me, ‘Cut that out!’ ‘Stop that!’ – I can’t!” … “I always got made fun of, beat up. I was just LOST.”

Then James lit up when he began to talk about his fiance, Heidi. James smiled and said, “In the middle of it all, I met an angel.” … “Heidi’s just changed my life SO much!”

James and Heidi have a beautiful son, Hunter, and had been struggling to get by each day. He had recently been laid off from his job, before the auditions. The American Idol opportunity is more than just a dream for James and his new family.

At first, James seemed concerned about the Tourette’s, getting in front of the judges and letting his nerves take over. After he finished his song, Jennifer Lopez remarked, “You go away when you sing.” James replied, “I do. When I was younger, I was diagnosed with Tourette’s. When I sing, it just all goes away, like I don’t have a care in the world.”

Randy Jackson jumped in to say, “I like your voice. I like your range.” Steven Tyler added, “Wow, that was OVER the top!” All of the judges were happy to give James a “golden ticket” to Hollywood!

Since then, James has continued to soar through Hollywood week to the Top 13 and beyond! See all the latest updates, videos and more resources below! What’s more James has already become an idol for those living with Tourette’s and Asperger’s. He has brought awareness and hope to children, adults, parents and loved ones around the world!

James is not only enjoying a career doing what he loves, but he continues to bring about awareness and support of Tourette’s and Asperger’s. James encourages those living with these conditions to keep dreaming and keep pursuing their goals, despite their challenges. James shares his own personal struggles with being teased as a child and how others can believe in themselves. As a result, James brings a message of anti-bullying.

“James shared his emotional personal story of being bullied while in school — and how, after he took action and reported the bullying to school officials, the bully would come back months later… to apologize” (mjsbigblog).

In light of James’ fight against bullying and mistreatment of kids by other kids, James is asking all of his fans and those who stand behind his message to help him “trend” the hash-tag, #outcastarmy on Twitter.

Thank you, James, for continuing to give hope and inspiration to children, adults, parents and teachers! You have a passion and a gift that is being used to make this world a better place!

5/12/2011 FINAL American Idol UPDATE: America is Stunned! James Durbin did not make it into the final 3 tonight. This was the week that rocker Chris Daughtry went home. Either the voters preferred the other contestants or they thought he would surely be safe and get plenty of votes and so they voted for someone else. The American Idol Website says, “After 72 million votes, in one of the most surprising results in the history of American Idol, we said goodbye to James Durbin.”

James seemed very disappointed, but quickly mouthed the words, “It’s OKAY!” to Heidi who was in the audience. His Goodbye Performance was very touching, as he and Heidi embraced then tears rolled down his face. James, we will miss you on American Idol, but we were surely see you around!

5/11/2011 UPDATE: It was Leiber & Stoller night. James opened the show with a timeless tune from Journey, “Don’t Stop Believing.” Of course, Randy Jackson, being a former Journey band member was thrilled. The rest of the judges and audience loved it as well. Later, he closed the show with The Searchers’ hit, “Love Potion #9.”

5/2011 UPDATE: James advanced to the Top 4. Tonight they showed just the bottom 2, which were Jacob Lusk and Lauren Alaina. Jacob Lusk was sent home.

5/4/2011 UPDATE: Everyone in the Top 5 sang 2 songs. James’ first song was an upbeat tune, “Closer to the Edge.” His second song was a very emotionally delivered Badfinger’s tune, “Without You.” James struggled to get through the song in rehearsal, because the lyrics made him think of Heidi and Hunter when they would visit him, then have to leave and how much he misses them.

4/28/2011 UPDATE: James advanced to the Top 5. This week, they did not specifically say the last 3 standing were in the bottom 3. However, the last 3 standing were Casey Abrams,Jacob Lusk and Scotty McCreery. Casey Abrams did not advance and was sent home tonight. Watch Casey’s Swan Song!

4/21/2011 UPDATE: James advanced to the Top 6. This week he brought out the contemporary alternative song, “Uprising,” delivered with pizazz. Stephano was the one who went home this week. Stefano was in the bottom 3 with Haley Haley Reinhart and Jacob Lusk. James and Scotty McCreery have yet to be in the bottom 3.

3/24/2011 UPDATE: Casey Abrams had least votes, but the judges kept him with their only SAVE of the season. All 11 will go on tour. Two will be cut next week. Stephano Langone and Thia Megia were in the bottom 3 with Casey.

3/18/2011 UPDATE: James advanced to the Top 11. Karen Rodriguez was sent home.

3/10/2011 UPDATE: James advanced into the Top 12. Ashthon Jones was sent home.

3/3/11 UPDATE: James advanced into the Top 13.

2/25/11 UPDATE: James advanced into the Top 24. Boys sing Tuesday March 1 and girls on Wednesday March 2.

2/17/11 UPDATE: James moved on to the final round in Hollywood to determine if he will be in the top 24.

About

The Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) encourages, educates and connects people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Formerly known as The Invisible Disabilities Advocate, IDA was founded in 1997 and incorporated in 2004 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit. IDA reaches out through our websites, projects, articles, pamphlets, booklet, social network, resources, videos, radio interviews, seminars, events and more!
Get the word out! Share a link to our articles and pages with Google Plus, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and through Email by clicking on the Share link. Leave a comment!

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In general, the term disability is often used to describe an ongoing physical challenge. This could be a bump in life that can be well managed or a mountain that creates serious changes and loss. Either way, this term should not be used to describe a person as weaker or lesser than anyone else! Every person has a purpose, special uniqueness and value, no matter what hurdles they may face.
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